WO2016056152A1 - Control device and method for inter-terminal direct communication - Google Patents

Abstract

A control device (5) which: allocates, to a plurality of wireless terminals (1, 2), a dedicated wireless resource for Proximity Service (ProSe) communication (103) to be performed in a terminal group that includes said plurality of wireless terminals (1, 2); and allocates, to said plurality of wireless terminals, a shared wireless resource for ProSe communication between the wireless terminals (1, 2) belonging to said terminal group and wireless terminals not belonging to said terminal group. Thus, the present invention can, for example, contribute to making inter-terminal direct communication smooth.

Description

Control apparatus and method for direct communication between terminals

This application relates to Proximity Service (ProSe) communication (direct between terminals) of a wireless terminal, and particularly to allocation of wireless resources to wireless terminals that perform direct communication between terminals.

3GPP Release 12 specifies Proximity-based services (ProSe) (see, for example, Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2). ProSe includes ProSe discovery (ProSe discovery) and ProSe direct communication. ProSe discovery enables detection of the proximity of wireless terminals (ProSe-enabled UEs) capable of ProSe direct communication (in Proximity). In one example, ProSe-Discovery discovers using only the capabilities of ProSe-enabled UEs that have other ProSe-enabled UEs that have these two UEs (eg, Evolved Universal Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) technology) Can be performed by the following procedure. In another example, ProSe discovery can be performed by a radio access network (E-UTRA Network (E-UTRAN)) or a core network (Evolved Packet Core (EPC)).

ProSe direct communication enables establishment of a communication path between two or more ProSe-enabled UEs existing in the direct communication range after the ProSe discovery procedure. In other words, ProSe direct communication allows ProSe-enabled UEs to communicate directly with other ProSe-enabled UEs without going through the base station (eNodeB). ProSe direct communication may be performed using the same wireless communication technology (E-UTRA technology) as that used to access the base station (eNodeB), or wireless local area network (WLAN) wireless technology (ie, IEEE 802.11 (radio technology) may be used.

In 3GPP Release 12, ProSe function communicates with ProSe-enabled UE via the public land mobile network (Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN)) to support ProSe discovery and ProSe direct communication (assist). ProSe function is a logical function used for operations related to PLMN necessary for ProSe. The functionality provided by ProSe function is, for example, (a) communication with third-party applications (ProSe Application Server), (b) UE authentication for ProSe discovery and ProSe direct communication, (c) ProSe Including transmission of setting information (for example, designation of radio resources and transmission power) for discovery and ProSe direct communication to the UE, and (d) provision of EPC-level ProSe discovery. ProSe function may be implemented in one or more network nodes or entities. In this specification, one or a plurality of network nodes or entities that execute a ProSe function are referred to as “ProSe function functions” or “ProSe function servers”.

3GPP Release ダ イ レ ク ト 12 ProSe direct communication is one specific example of direct communication between terminals. Direct communication between terminals in a public land mobile communication network (PLMN) includes a discovery phase and a direct communication phase supported by functions or nodes (for example, ProSe function) arranged in the network, as in 3GPPSeRelease 12 ProSe. . The inter-terminal direct communication is communication performed without passing through any network node (for example, a base station) between two or more adjacent wireless terminals. The direct communication between terminals is sometimes called device-to-device (D2D) communication or peer-to-peer communication. ProSe direct communication is an example of direct communication between terminals, and is sometimes referred to as ProSe communication.

The term “public land mobile communication network” used in this specification is a wide-area wireless infrastructure network, and means a multiple access mobile communication system. A multiple access mobile communication system shares wireless resources including at least one of time, frequency, and transmission power among multiple mobile terminals, so that multiple mobile terminals can perform wireless communication substantially simultaneously. It is possible to do. Typical multiple access methods are Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), or a combination thereof. The public land mobile communication network includes a radio access network and a core network. Public ground mobile communication networks include, for example, 3GPP Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), 3GPP Evolved Packet System (EPS), 3GPP2 CDMA2000 System, Global System Mobile Communications (GSM (registered trademark)) / General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) System, WiMAX system, or mobile WiMAX system. EPS includes Long Term Evolution (LTE) system and LTE-Advanced system.

Patent Document 1 selects a terminal group to be shifted to direct communication between terminals in response to detection of network congestion or network device (for example, base station) failure by a server arranged in the network, It describes that the direct communication permission information and the communication environment setting information for direct communication are transmitted to the wireless terminals belonging to the terminal group. The direct communication permission information indicates, for example, identifiers of wireless terminals belonging to the same terminal group. The setting information of the communication environment indicates, for example, a frequency band used for direct communication between terminals, transmission power, and an identifier of a receiving terminal.

JP 2013-229747 A

3GPP TS 22.278 V12.4.0 (2013-09), “3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services, and System Aspects; Service requirements, for the the Evolved Packet System (EPS) (Release 12), September 2013 3GPP TS.23.303 V12.1.0 (2014-06), “3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; Proximity-based services (ProSe); Stage 2 (Release 12) '', June 2014

If a network failure occurs (for example, a base station stops or malfunctions, or a control plane entity such as Mobility Management Entity (MME) and Home Subscriber Server (HSS) stops or malfunctions), the wireless terminal There is a possibility that communication via the network cannot be used. For example, network failures may occur that prevent communication via PLMN due to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, and power outages, or man-made disasters. Absent. In Patent Literature 1, when a network failure occurs, a server allocates radio resources for direct communication between terminals to a plurality of radio terminals belonging to a predetermined terminal group, and terminals in the terminal group It describes that direct communication is permitted. However, for example, if the period during which communication via PLMN is not available due to a large-scale disaster is prolonged, direct communication between terminals within a specific terminal group is not sufficient for a wireless terminal, and both terminals outside the group and terminals It may be preferable to be able to communicate directly.

One of the objects that the embodiments disclosed herein intend to achieve is to provide an apparatus, a method, and a program that contribute to facilitate direct communication between terminals. It should be noted that this object is only one of the objects that the embodiments disclosed herein intend to achieve. Other objects or problems and novel features will become apparent from the description of the present specification or the accompanying drawings.

In the first aspect, the method performed by the control device includes a dedicated radio resource for Proximity Service (ProSe) communication performed without going through a public land mobile communication network within a terminal group including a plurality of wireless terminals. Allocating to the plurality of radio terminals and allocating a shared radio resource to the plurality of radio terminals for ProSe communication between a radio terminal belonging to the terminal group and a radio terminal not belonging to the terminal group.

In the second aspect, the control device includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor allocates dedicated radio resources to the plurality of radio terminals for Proximity Service (ProSe) communication performed without going through a public land mobile communication network in a terminal group including a plurality of radio terminals, and It operates to allocate a shared radio resource to the plurality of radio terminals for ProSe communication between a radio terminal belonging to a terminal group and a radio terminal not belonging to the terminal group.

In the third aspect, the program includes a group of instructions (software code) for causing the computer to perform the method according to the first aspect when read by the computer.

The above-described aspect can provide an apparatus, a method, and a program that contribute to facilitating direct communication between terminals.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the public land mobile communication network which concerns on some embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the public land mobile communication network which concerns on some embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example by the control apparatus for allocating a resource to ProSe communication (direct communication between terminals) based on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example by the control apparatus for allocating a resource to ProSe communication based on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example by the control apparatus for allocating a resource to ProSe communication based on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example by the radio | wireless terminal for allocating a resource to ProSe communication based on 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the process which allocates a resource to ProSe communication based on 3rd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the process which allocates a resource to ProSe communication based on 4th Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the process which allocates a resource to ProSe communication based on 5th Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the process which allocates a resource to ProSe communication based on 6th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a control apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a radio | wireless terminal.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as necessary for clarification of the description.

A plurality of embodiments shown below will be described mainly for an Evolved Packet System (EPS). However, these embodiments are not limited to EPS, and may be applied to other mobile communication networks or systems such as 3GPP UMTS, 3GPP2 CDMA2000 systems, GSM / GPRS systems, WiMAX systems, and the like.

<First Embodiment>
1 and 2 show a configuration example of the PLMN 100 according to the present embodiment. Both UE1 and UE2 are ProSe-capable wireless terminals (ProSe-enabled UEs), and establish a ProSe communication path 103 between them and perform ProSe direct communication (ProSe communication, direct communication between terminals, D2D communication). it can. ProSe direct communication between UE1 and UE2 may be performed using the same wireless communication technology (E-UTRA technology) as when accessing the base station (eNodeB), or WLAN wireless technology (IEEE 802.11 radio). technology).

The eNodeB 31 is an entity arranged in the radio access network (that is, E-UTRAN) 3, manages the cell 32, and communicates with UE1 and UE2 on a frequency licensed to E-UTRAN3 using E-UTRA technology. (101 and 102).

The core network (ie, EPC) 4 includes a plurality of user plane entities (eg, Serving Gateway (S-GW) 41 and Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW) in FIG. 2), and a plurality of control plane entities ( For example, it includes Mobility Management Entity (MME) 43 and Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 44) of FIG. A plurality of user plane entities relay user data of UE 1 and UE 2 between E-UTRAN 3 and an external network (Packet Data Network (PDN)). The control plane entity performs various controls including mobility management, session management (bearer management), and charging management for UE1 and UE2.

In order to start ProSe direct communication (103) in cell 32, UE1 and UE2 attach to core network (ie, EPC) 4 via eNodeB31 and communicate with ProSe function function entity 9 (Packet Data Data Network (PDN)). ) Establish a connection and send / receive ProSe control signaling to / from ProSe function entity 9 via E-UTRAN 3 and EPC 4. UE1 and UE2 may use, for example, the ProSe discovery service provided by the ProSe function entity 9, and send a message indicating that the ProSe discovery or ProSe direct communication is enabled in the UE1 and UE2 to the ProSe function function entity 9 or setting information related to ProSe discovery or ProSe direct communication in the cell 32 may be received from the ProSe function entity 9. Note that the interface (PC3 reference point) between UE1 and UE2 and ProSe function depends on the user plane of E-UTRAN3 and EPC4, and ProSe control signal is transferred on the user plane. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, the ProSe function entity 9 is connected to the EPC 4 (that is, the P-GW 42) via the SGi reference point that is a reference point between the PDN gateway 22 (P-GW) 42 and the PDN. connect.

UE1 and UE2 can perform ProSe direct communication within a UE group including a plurality of UEs. Although FIG.1 and FIG.2 has shown only two UE1 and UE2, UE1 and UE2 may perform ProSe direct communication within UE group containing three or more UE. The control apparatus 5 allocates the radio | wireless resource for ProSe direct communication (103) of UE group containing UE1 and UE2. Hereinafter, the radio resource for ProSe direct communication is referred to as “ProSe radio resource”. The ProSe radio resource includes at least one of time, frequency, and transmission power. That is, the control apparatus 5 allocates a dedicated radio resource for ProSe direct communication (103) and permits the UE group including UE1 and UE2 to use the radio resource.

It is preferable that the dedicated ProSe radio resource has a frequency different from the frequency allocated to ProSe direct communication of another UE group in the cell 32 or the vicinity thereof. In other words, the dedicated ProSe radio resource is preferably set to a frequency that is effective (permitted) only for ProSe direct communication of the UE group to which UE1 and UE2 belong in the cell 32 or the vicinity thereof. Thereby, interference between UE groups can be suppressed and the quality of ProSe direct communication can be improved. Dedicated ProSe radio resources may be allocated from the frequency band licensed for E-UTRAN3 (licensed frequency band) or allocated from the frequency band not licensed to E-UTRAN3 (unlicensed frequency band) May be. The frequency band licensed to E-UTRAN 3 means a band occupied by E-UTRAN 3, and is generally licensed to an operator of E-UTRAN 3 by a government agency in each country. In the case of E-UTRAN (LTE), the license frequency is, for example, a 700 MHz band, an 800 MHz band, a 1.8 GHz band, a 2.1 GHz band, or a 2.6 GHz band. On the other hand, a frequency band that is not licensed for E-UTRAN 3 is licensed for another system (for example, a TV broadcasting system), or is a frequency that is not licensed for any other system (for example, 2.4). GHz band, 5 GHz band).

In one example, the control device 5 may be disposed in a radio access network (for example, E-UTRAN 3), and is integrally disposed with a radio resource control entity (for example, a base station or a base station controller) in the radio access network. May be. In the case of E-UTRAN, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the control device 5 may be arranged in the eNodeB 31. In the case of UTRAN, the control device 5 may be arranged in a radio network controller (RNC). In another example, the control device 5 may be disposed in a core network (for example, EPC 4) or may be disposed integrally with an existing core network entity (for example, MME 43 or HSS 44). In yet another example, the control device 5 may be disposed outside the E-UTRAN 3 and the EPC 4. The control device 5 may be arranged integrally with the ProSe function entity 9.

The control device 5 further operates to allocate an additional ProSe radio resource in addition to the normal ProSe radio resource at the normal time. In one example, in the case where a severe network failure that prevents UE1 and UE2 from using the communication via PLMN 100 is expected, the control device 5 performs ProSe direct between UE groups in addition to dedicated ProSe radio resources. Shared ProSe radio resources may be allocated for communication.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example (300) of processing performed by the control device 5. In block 301, the control device 5 allocates dedicated radio resources to the plurality of UEs for ProSe direct communication within the UE group including the plurality of UEs (UE1 and UE2). In block 302, a shared radio resource is allocated to the UEs for ProSe direct communication between UEs belonging to the UE group and UEs not belonging to the UE group. That is, the shared ProSe radio resource is used for ProSe direct communication between a plurality of UE groups or ProSe direct communication between any UEs that do not depend on the UE group. Shared ProSe radio resources may be allocated from the frequency band licensed for E-UTRAN3 (licensed frequency band) or allocated from the frequency band not licensed to E-UTRAN3 (unlicensed frequency band) May be.

According to the process 300 shown by FIG. 3, UE1 and UE2 can perform the high quality ProSe direct communication by which interference was suppressed in UE group to which these belong, for example at the time of a network failure, and between UE groups ( Or a wide range of ProS direct communication between any UEs not depending on the UE group). In addition to allocating dedicated radio resources for Prose communication within the UE group, the process of allocating shared radio resources for ProSe communication between UE groups is performed regardless of whether or not there is a network failure. Also good.

<Second Embodiment>
In this embodiment, a specific example of the ProSe radio resource allocation process described in the first embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the control device 5 responds to an event associated with a network failure in addition to a dedicated radio resource for UE group Prose communication, as well as a shared Prose radio for UE group ProSe communication. Allows wireless terminals to use resources. A configuration example of the public land mobile communication network according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example (400) of processing performed by the control device 5. In block 401, the control device 5 detects the occurrence of the first event associated with the failure of the PLMN 100. The first event is, for example, detection of a failure or performance degradation of the PLMN 100, reception of a message indicating occurrence or warning of the PLMN 100, or message indicating occurrence or warning of a disaster in the area where the PLMN 100 is provided (for example, Earthquake early warning, tsunami warning, or power failure warning).

In block 402, in response to the first event, the control device 5 uses the dedicated radio resources for ProSe direct communication in the UE group including the plurality of UEs (UE1 and UE2). The UE is allowed to use a shared radio resource for ProSe direct communication between UEs belonging to the UE group and UEs not belonging to the UE group. That is, the shared ProSe radio resource is used for ProSe direct communication between a plurality of UE groups or ProSe direct communication between any UEs that do not depend on the UE group. According to the process 400 shown in FIG. 4, at the time of a network failure, UE1 and UE2 can perform high-quality ProSe direct communication in which interference is suppressed in the UE group to which they belong, and between UE groups (or Extensive ProS direct communication can be further performed between any UEs that do not depend on the UE group.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another example (500) of processing performed by the control device 5. The process 500 shown in FIG. 5 is a modification of the process 400 shown in FIG. The processing in block 501 is the same as the processing in block 401 shown in FIG. In block 502, in response to the first event, the control device 5 allocates a dedicated radio resource for the UE group to which UE1 and UE2 belong, and allocates a shared radio resource for ProSe direct communication between UE groups. The ProSe direct communication setting information shown is transmitted to at least one of UE1 and UE2. The setting information transmitted from the control device 5 to one of UE1 and UE2 (for example, UE1) may be transmitted to the other UE (for example, UE2) via the ProSe communication path 103.

When the control device 5 is arranged in the eNodeB 31, the control device 5 may transmit the ProSe direct communication setting information using broadcast information that can be received by a plurality of UEs (that is, System Information Block (SIB)). Alternatively, transmission may be performed using control signaling (that is, Radio Resource Control (RRC)) signaling for each UE. When the control device 5 is arranged in the EPC 4, the control device 5 may transmit setting information for ProSe direct communication using a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message. When the control device 5 is arranged in the ProSe function entity 9, the control device 5 may transmit setting information of ProSe direct communication as user plane data.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example (600) of processing performed by UE1. The process 600 of FIG. 6 may be performed by UE2, and may be performed by both UE1 and UE2. In block 601, UE1 receives the setting information of ProSe direct communication which shows the allocation of a dedicated ProSe radio resource and the allocation of a shared ProSe radio resource from the control apparatus 5. In block 602, UE1 performs ProSe direct communication within a UE group including UE1 and UE2 in a dedicated radio resource according to the received ProSe direct communication setting information, and ProSe direct communication with a UE that does not belong to the UE group. Is performed on a shared radio resource. For example, UE1 and UE2 may start ProSe direct communication in response to detecting the stop of the communication service by PLMN 100.

Note that the processing shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 is merely an example. The control apparatus 5 may notify UE1 and UE2 of allocation of dedicated ProSe radio resources and allocation of shared ProSe radio resources at different timings and different control messages. For example, the control device 5 may allocate dedicated ProSe radio resources to the UE group to which the UE1 and UE2 belong in response to another event (second event) before the first event. The second event is a normal ProSe direct communication activation event that is not associated with a network failure, and may be the reception of a request message from UE1, UE2, or ProSe function entity 9. That is, when a second event that is not associated with a failure occurs, the control device 5 permits the UE1 and UE2 to use dedicated radio resources for direct communication within the UE group. UE1 and UE2 are not allowed to use shared radio resources for inter-ProSe direct communication. In this case, in response to the first event, the control device 5 may notify at least one of the UE1 and the UE2 only of the allocation of the shared radio resource for the UE group ProSe direct communication.

<Third Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, a specific example of the ProSe radio resource allocation process at the time of a network failure described in the second embodiment will be described. Specifically, an example in which the control device 5 is arranged in the eNodeB 31 and the first event is detected in the eNodeB 31 will be described. A configuration example of the public land mobile communication network according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a process 700 according to this embodiment. In block 701, the eNodeB 31 (control device 5) detects a failure of the E-UTRAN 3 (for example, malfunction of the eNodeB 31) as a first event. Instead, the eNodeB 31 (the control device 5) may receive a message indicating the occurrence or warning of the PLMN 100 from the Operation, Administration and Maintenance (OAM) system as the first event. Instead, the eNodeB 31 (the control device 5) may receive a message indicating the occurrence of a disaster or a warning from the EPC 4 or the OAM system as the first event.

In blocks 702 and 703, in response to the first event, the eNodeB 31 (control device 5) transmits setting information indicating the allocation of ProSe radio resources to UE1 and UE2. The said setting information shows allocation of the shared radio | wireless resource which can be used for ProSe direct communication between UE groups (or ProSe direct communication between arbitrary UEs which do not depend on UE group). In block 704, UE1 and UE2 perform ProSe direct communication according to the received setting information. According to the process 700, UE1 and UE2 can perform extensive ProSe direct communication between UE groups (or between arbitrary UEs not depending on the UE group) at the time of a network failure.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, a specific example of the ProSe radio resource allocation process at the time of a network failure described in the second embodiment will be described. Specifically, an example in which the control device 5 is arranged in the ProSe function entity 9 and the first event is detected in the eNodeB 31 will be described. A configuration example of the public land mobile communication network according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a process 800 according to the present embodiment. In block 801, the eNodeB 31 detects a failure of the E-UTRAN 3 (for example, a malfunction of the eNodeB 31) as a first event. Alternatively, the first event may be reception of a message indicating the occurrence or warning of the PLMN 100 by the eNodeB 31 or reception of a message indicating the occurrence or warning of the disaster by the eNodeB 31. In block 802, the eNodeB 31 notifies the detection of the first event to the ProSe function entity 9 (the control device 5). The notification in block 802 may be sent to the ProSe function entity 9 via one or more control plane nodes (eg, MME 43 and HSS 44) in the core network.

In blocks 803 and 804, in response to the first event, the ProSe function entity 9 (the control device 5) transmits setting information indicating the allocation of the ProSe radio resource to the UE1 and the UE2. The said setting information shows allocation of the shared radio | wireless resource which can be used for ProSe direct communication between UE groups (or ProSe direct communication between arbitrary UEs which do not depend on UE group). In block 805, UE1 and UE2 perform ProSe direct communication according to the received setting information. According to the process 800, UE1 and UE2 can perform extensive ProSe direct communication between UE groups (or between arbitrary UEs that do not depend on the UE group) during a network failure.

<Fifth Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, a specific example of the ProSe radio resource allocation process at the time of a network failure described in the second embodiment will be described. Specifically, an example in which the control device 5 is arranged in the ProSe function entity 9 and the first event is detected in the eNodeB 31 will be described. A configuration example of the public land mobile communication network according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing a process 900 according to the present embodiment. The processing in block 901 is the same as the processing in block 801 shown in FIG. The eNodeB 31 notifies the detection of the first event to the ProSe function entity 9 (the control device 5) via the UE 1 (blocks 902 and 903). That is, the eNodeB 31 notifies the detection of the first event to the UE 1 (block 902), and the UE 1 notifies the detection of the first event to the ProSe function entity 9 (the control device 5) (block 903). The processing in blocks 904 to 906 is the same as the processing in blocks 803 to 805 shown in FIG. According to the process 900, UE1 and UE2 can perform extensive ProSe direct communication between UE groups (or between arbitrary UEs not depending on the UE group) at the time of a network failure.

<Sixth Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, a specific example of the ProSe radio resource allocation process at the time of a network failure described in the second embodiment will be described. Specifically, even when a plurality of UEs (UE1 and UE2) belong to different cells 32, the control device 5 allocates ProSe radio resources to these UEs. The plurality of cells 32 to which UE1 and UE2 belong may be neighboring cells or may be included in the same neighboring cell group determined based on proximity. A configuration example of the public land mobile communication network according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a process 1000 according to the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 10, UE1 is located in a cell 32A managed by eNodeB 31A, and UE2 is located in a cell 32B managed by eNodeB 31B. In block 1001, the eNodeB 31A (control device 5A) detects the first event. In block 1002, the eNodeB 31A (control device 5A) notifies the detection of the first event to the eNodeB 31B (control device 5B). The notification at block 1002 may include an indication to identify a shared ProSe radio resource. Then, the eNodeB 31A (control device 5A) transmits setting information indicating allocation of the shared ProSe radio resource to the UE1 in the cell 32A (block 1003), and the eNodeB 31B (control device 5B) transmits the UE2 in the cell 32B. Configuration information indicating allocation of shared ProSe radio resources is transmitted (block 1004). In block 1005, UE1 and UE2 perform ProSe direct communication according to the setting information in blocks 1003 and 1004.

The process 1000 shown in FIG. 10 can be changed as appropriate in the same manner as the ProSe radio resource allocation process described in the second to fifth embodiments. For example, the control device 5 may be arranged in a control plane entity in the EPC 4 or in a ProSe function entity 9. The detection of the first event may be performed by the control plane entity in the EPC 4 or may be performed by the ProSe function entity 9.

According to the present embodiment, for example, when the eNodeB 31A and the cell 32A are stopped but the eNodeB 31B and the cell 32B are operated, the UE1 communicates with the UE2 via the PLMN 100 via the ProSe communication path 103. It can be performed. Moreover, when the failure of the wide area where both eNodeB31A and eNodeB31B stop occurs, UE1 and UE2 can perform UE group ProSe direct communication and UE group ProSe direct communication.

Finally, configuration examples of the control device 5 and UE1 and UE2 according to the above-described plurality of embodiments will be described. FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of the control device 5. Referring to FIG. 11, the control device 5 includes a network interface 51, a processor 52, and a memory 53. The network interface 51 is used to communicate with a network node (e.g., MME 43, ProSe function entity 9). The network interface 51 may include, for example, a network interface card (NIC) compliant with IEEE 802.3 series.

The processor 52 reads out the software (computer program) from the memory 53 and executes it, thereby executing the processing of the control device 5 related to the processing 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, or 1000 described in the above embodiment. Do. The processor 52 may be, for example, a microprocessor, a Micro Processing Unit (MPU), or a Central Processing Unit (CPU). The processor 52 may include a plurality of processors.

The memory 53 is composed of a combination of a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory. The volatile memory is, for example, Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), or a combination thereof. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a mask Read Only Memory (MROM), Programmable ROM (PROM), flash memory, hard disk drive, or a combination thereof. In addition, the memory 53 may include a storage arranged away from the processor 52. In this case, the processor 52 may access the memory 53 via the network interface 51 or an I / O interface not shown.

In the example of FIG. 11, the memory 53 is used to store a software module group including the ProSe module 54. The ProSe module 54 includes a group of instructions and data for executing the processing of the control device 5 related to the processing 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, or 1000 described in the above embodiment. The processor 52 reads the software module group including the ProSe module 54 from the memory 53 and executes the software module group, so that the processing of the control device 5 described in the above embodiment can be performed.

FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of UE1. UE2 may also have the same configuration as UE1. Referring to FIG. 12, UE1 includes a wireless transceiver 11, a processor 12, and a memory 13. The wireless transceiver 11 is used for communication with E-UTRAN 3 (eNodeB 31) (101 in FIGS. 1 and 2) and for ProSe direct communication (103 in FIGS. 1 and 2). The wireless transceiver 11 may include a plurality of transceivers, for example, an E-UTRA (Long Term Evolution (LTE)) transceiver and a WLAN transceiver.

The processor 12 reads the software (computer program) from the memory 13 and executes it, thereby performing the process of UE1 related to the process 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000 described in the above-described embodiment. The processor 12 may be a microprocessor, MPU, or CPU, for example. The processor 12 may include a plurality of processors.

The memory 13 is composed of a combination of a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory. The volatile memory is, for example, SRAM or DRAM or a combination thereof. The non-volatile memory is, for example, an MROM, PROM, flash memory, hard disk drive, or a combination thereof. In addition, the memory 13 may include a storage disposed away from the processor 12. In this case, the processor 12 may access the memory 13 via an I / O interface (not shown).

In the example of FIG. 12, the memory 13 is used to store a software module group including the ProSe module 14. The ProSe module 14 includes a group of instructions and data for executing the processing of UE1 related to the processing 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000 described in the above-described embodiment. The processor 12 reads the software module group including the ProSe module 14 from the memory 13 and executes the software module group, thereby performing the processing of the UE 1 described in the above embodiment.

As described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, each of the processors included in the control device 5 and UE <b> 1 and UE <b> 2 according to the embodiment described above is a group of instructions for causing a computer to execute the algorithm described with reference to the drawings. One or more programs including are executed. The program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer readable media. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media (tangible storage medium). Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media are magnetic recording media (eg flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (eg magneto-optical discs), Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), CD-ROM R, CD-R / W, semiconductor memory (for example, mask ROM, Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable PROM (EPROM), flash ROM, Random Access Memory (RAM)). The program may also be supplied to the computer by various types of temporary computer-readable media. Examples of transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or a wireless communication path.

<Other embodiments>
The plurality of embodiments described above may be implemented independently or may be implemented in combination as appropriate.

In the third to sixth embodiments, an example in which a signaling procedure for allocating dedicated ProSe radio resources and shared ProSe radio resources to UE1 and UE2 is executed in response to a first event related to a failure of PLMN 100 is performed. Indicated. However, the signaling procedures described in the third to sixth embodiments may be executed in response to other events not related to the failure of the PLMN 100.

In the above-described embodiment, description has been made mainly using specific examples related to EPS. However, these embodiments are applicable to other mobile communication systems such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), 3GPP2 CDMA2000 system (1xRTT, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD)), Global System Mobile for Communications (GSM) / General Packets The present invention may be applied to a radio service (GPRS) system, a mobile WiMAX system, and the like.

Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are merely examples relating to application of the technical idea obtained by the present inventors. That is, the technical idea is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-206190 filed on October 7, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

1 UE
2 UE
3 E-UTRAN
4 EPC
5 Controller 9 ProSe function entity 31 eNodeB
32 cells 100 PLMN
103 ProSe communication path

Claims (21)

A method performed by a control device,
A dedicated radio resource is allocated to the plurality of wireless terminals for Proximity Service (ProSe) communication performed without going through the public land mobile communication network within the terminal group including the plurality of wireless terminals, and belongs to the terminal group Allocating shared wireless resources to the plurality of wireless terminals for ProSe communication between wireless terminals and wireless terminals not belonging to the terminal group. The assigning permits the plurality of radio terminals to use the dedicated radio resource and the shared radio resource when a first event associated with a failure of the public land mobile communication network occurs. including,
The method of claim 1. When the second event not associated with the failure occurs, the plurality of wireless terminals are allowed to use the dedicated wireless resource for ProSe communication within the terminal group. Further comprising not allowing the plurality of wireless terminals to use a resource;
The method of claim 2. The permitting is the assignment of the dedicated radio resource for ProSe communication within the terminal group in response to the first event, and the radio terminals belonging to the terminal group and not belonging to the terminal group Transmitting first setting information including allocation of the shared radio resource for ProSe communication with a wireless terminal to at least one of the plurality of wireless terminals;
The method of claim 2. In response to a second event that is not associated with the failure, second configuration information that includes the dedicated radio resource allocation but does not include the shared radio resource allocation among the plurality of radio terminals. Further comprising transmitting to at least one;
The method of claim 4. Transmitting the first setting information uses a first wireless terminal that uses the first cell in the public land mobile communication network, and a second cell located around the first cell. Including transmitting the first setting information to a second wireless terminal.
The method according to claim 4 or 5. The first event is provided with detection of the failure or performance degradation of the public land mobile communication network, reception of a message indicating the occurrence or warning of the failure of the public land mobile communication network, or the public land mobile communication network. Including the receipt of messages indicating the occurrence or warning of disasters in certain areas,
The method according to any one of claims 2 to 6. The control device is arranged in a base station in the public land mobile communication network;
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The public land mobile communication network includes a radio access network and a core network,
The control device communicates with the wireless terminal via the wireless access network and the core network.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The dedicated radio resource and the shared radio resource are included in a frequency band licensed to the public land mobile communication network.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9. Memory,
A processor coupled to the memory;
The processor allocates the plurality of wireless terminals to dedicated wireless resources for Proximity Service (ProSe) communication performed without going through a public land mobile communication network within a terminal group including a plurality of wireless terminals, and the terminals Operative to allocate shared radio resources to the plurality of radio terminals for ProSe communication between radio terminals belonging to a group and radio terminals not belonging to the terminal group;
Control device. The processor permits the plurality of radio terminals to use the dedicated radio resource and the shared radio resource when a first event associated with a failure of the public land mobile communication network occurs;
The control device according to claim 11. The processor further permits the plurality of wireless terminals to use the dedicated wireless resource for ProSe communication within the terminal group when a second event that is not associated with the failure occurs. Operates so as not to allow the plurality of wireless terminals to use the shared wireless resource.
The control device according to claim 12. The processor is responsive to the first event to allow the plurality of wireless terminals to use wireless resources for ProSe communication, the dedicated wireless for ProSe communication within the terminal group. First setting information including resource allocation and allocation of the shared radio resource for ProSe communication between a radio terminal belonging to the terminal group and a radio terminal not belonging to the terminal group includes the plurality of radio terminals. Operate to transmit to at least one of
The control device according to claim 12. In response to a second event not associated with the failure, the processor further includes second configuration information that includes the dedicated radio resource allocation but does not include the shared radio resource allocation. Operate to transmit to at least one of the wireless terminals;
The control device according to claim 14. The processor includes: a first wireless terminal that uses a first cell in the public land mobile communication network; and a second wireless terminal that uses a second cell located around the first cell; Transmitting the first setting information;
The control device according to claim 14 or 15. The first event is provided with detection of the failure or performance degradation of the public land mobile communication network, reception of a message indicating the occurrence or warning of the failure of the public land mobile communication network, or the public land mobile communication network. Including the receipt of messages indicating the occurrence or warning of disasters in certain areas,
The control device according to any one of claims 12 to 16. The control device is arranged in a base station in the public land mobile communication network;
The control device according to any one of claims 11 to 17. The public land mobile communication network includes a radio access network and a core network,
The control device communicates with the wireless terminal via the wireless access network and the core network.
The control device according to any one of claims 11 to 17. The dedicated radio resource and the shared radio resource are included in a frequency band licensed to the public land mobile communication network.
The control device according to any one of claims 11 to 19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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